Super Falcons recover stolen cash after hotel theft suspect confesses

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have recovered cash stolen from several players after a suspect arrested in connection with the theft at the Marriott Hotel in Casablanca, Morocco, reportedly confessed to the crime, bringing relief to the team’s camp ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The breakthrough comes days after members of the Nigerian women’s national team reported that money had disappeared from their hotel rooms during the final phase of their training camp in Casablanca before the squad relocated to Rabat for the tournament.

According to officials familiar with the investigation, Moroccan security authorities arrested a suspect following an intensive inquiry involving hotel management, security personnel and local law enforcement agencies.

The suspect reportedly admitted responsibility for the theft during interrogation, and authorities have commenced arrangements to ensure that all the affected players receive full restitution of their stolen money while criminal proceedings continue under Moroccan law.

The development was disclosed by Nigerian journalist and former Super Eagles Media Officer, Colin Udoh, who said Moroccan authorities had made significant progress in the investigation.

READ ALSO:

• Accord Party, Governor Adeleke Adopt Tinubu as 2027 Presidential Candidate
• Obasanjo Brokered Obi-Kwankwaso Ticket, Remains Principal Sponsor – Akin Osuntokun
• Army arrests wanted soldier over alleged supply of military gear to terrorists

“I have been informed that a suspect has been arrested in connection with the theft at the Super Falcons’ Marriott Hotel in Casablanca and has confessed. Full restitution will be made to the players while the law takes its course,” Udoh wrote on Sunday.

Earlier, Super Falcons midfielder Esther Okoronkwo revealed that she, team captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and defender Michelle Alozie were among the players whose cash was stolen.

Okoronkwo disclosed that the total amount taken exceeded $1,000, adding that hotel officials initially failed to provide satisfactory explanations after the incident was reported.

She also criticised the hotel’s initial response, alleging that some officials became dismissive while the players sought answers over the missing money.

The theft occurred while the Super Falcons were camped at the Marriott Hotel in Casablanca as part of their preparations for the continental tournament.

Nigeria had opened its pre-tournament training camp in Mohammedia on July 15 before relocating to Rabat, where the nine-time African champions are scheduled to play all their Group C matches.

Following the reported theft, officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) immediately engaged Moroccan authorities and hotel management, leading to a comprehensive investigation that reportedly included interviews, security reviews and the examination of surveillance footage.

The swift breakthrough has been welcomed by members of the Nigerian delegation, who expressed appreciation for the prompt response by Moroccan security agencies.

Although authorities have not officially disclosed the identity of the suspect or the exact amount recovered, investigators confirmed that arrangements are being made to return all stolen funds to the affected players.

The suspect remains in custody and is expected to face prosecution in accordance with Moroccan criminal law after the restitution process is completed.

Despite the off-field incident, the Super Falcons have maintained their focus on the 2026 WAFCON, with head coach Justine Madugu intensifying preparations for Nigeria’s opening Group C fixture against Malawi at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat.

The team held multiple training sessions at the AS FAR Training Ground as preparations gathered momentum ahead of the crucial opener.

Nigeria enters the tournament as Africa’s most successful women’s national team, having won a record 10 WAFCON titles, and is aiming to capture an unprecedented 11th continental championship.

The Super Falcons will face Malawi, Zambia and Egypt in Group C, with expectations high that the experienced squad can mount another successful title challenge.

The successful recovery of the stolen money has eased concerns within the team’s camp, allowing the players to concentrate fully on their quest to reclaim the African title.

Super Falcons recover stolen cash after hotel theft suspect confesses

Super Falcons recover stolen cash after hotel theft suspect confesses

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have recovered cash stolen from several players after a suspect arrested in connection with the theft at the Marriott Hotel in Casablanca, Morocco, reportedly confessed to the crime, bringing relief to the team’s camp ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The breakthrough comes days after members of the Nigerian women’s national team reported that money had disappeared from their hotel rooms during the final phase of their training camp in Casablanca before the squad relocated to Rabat for the tournament.

According to officials familiar with the investigation, Moroccan security authorities arrested a suspect following an intensive inquiry involving hotel management, security personnel and local law enforcement agencies.

The suspect reportedly admitted responsibility for the theft during interrogation, and authorities have commenced arrangements to ensure that all the affected players receive full restitution of their stolen money while criminal proceedings continue under Moroccan law.

The development was disclosed by Nigerian journalist and former Super Eagles Media Officer, Colin Udoh, who said Moroccan authorities had made significant progress in the investigation.

READ ALSO:

• Accord Party, Governor Adeleke Adopt Tinubu as 2027 Presidential Candidate
• Obasanjo Brokered Obi-Kwankwaso Ticket, Remains Principal Sponsor – Akin Osuntokun
• Army arrests wanted soldier over alleged supply of military gear to terrorists

“I have been informed that a suspect has been arrested in connection with the theft at the Super Falcons’ Marriott Hotel in Casablanca and has confessed. Full restitution will be made to the players while the law takes its course,” Udoh wrote on Sunday.

Earlier, Super Falcons midfielder Esther Okoronkwo revealed that she, team captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and defender Michelle Alozie were among the players whose cash was stolen.

Okoronkwo disclosed that the total amount taken exceeded $1,000, adding that hotel officials initially failed to provide satisfactory explanations after the incident was reported.

She also criticised the hotel’s initial response, alleging that some officials became dismissive while the players sought answers over the missing money.

The theft occurred while the Super Falcons were camped at the Marriott Hotel in Casablanca as part of their preparations for the continental tournament.

Nigeria had opened its pre-tournament training camp in Mohammedia on July 15 before relocating to Rabat, where the nine-time African champions are scheduled to play all their Group C matches.

Following the reported theft, officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) immediately engaged Moroccan authorities and hotel management, leading to a comprehensive investigation that reportedly included interviews, security reviews and the examination of surveillance footage.

The swift breakthrough has been welcomed by members of the Nigerian delegation, who expressed appreciation for the prompt response by Moroccan security agencies.

Although authorities have not officially disclosed the identity of the suspect or the exact amount recovered, investigators confirmed that arrangements are being made to return all stolen funds to the affected players.

The suspect remains in custody and is expected to face prosecution in accordance with Moroccan criminal law after the restitution process is completed.

Despite the off-field incident, the Super Falcons have maintained their focus on the 2026 WAFCON, with head coach Justine Madugu intensifying preparations for Nigeria’s opening Group C fixture against Malawi at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat.

The team held multiple training sessions at the AS FAR Training Ground as preparations gathered momentum ahead of the crucial opener.

Nigeria enters the tournament as Africa’s most successful women’s national team, having won a record 10 WAFCON titles, and is aiming to capture an unprecedented 11th continental championship.

The Super Falcons will face Malawi, Zambia and Egypt in Group C, with expectations high that the experienced squad can mount another successful title challenge.

The successful recovery of the stolen money has eased concerns within the team’s camp, allowing the players to concentrate fully on their quest to reclaim the African title.

Super Falcons recover stolen cash after hotel theft suspect confesses

Anthony Joshua stuns Kristian Prenga with dramatic knockout to revive career and set up Tyson Fury showdown

British-Nigerian heavyweight star Anthony Joshua made a sensational return to the ring on Saturday night, overcoming two first-round knockdowns to stop Kristian Prenga with a devastating second-round knockout at the Jeddah Superdome in Saudi Arabia.

The victory marked Joshua’s first fight since recovering from a tragic road accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in December 2025, which claimed the lives of two of his close friends and trainers. His return was widely regarded as one of the biggest tests of his resilience after months away from competitive boxing.

Joshua endured a nightmare opening round as Albanian-born heavyweight Prenga caught him with a powerful uppercut just 20 seconds into the contest, sending the former two-time unified world heavyweight champion crashing to the canvas.

Prenga continued to dominate the early exchanges and scored another knockdown later in the round, raising fears that Joshua’s comeback could end in a stunning upset.

However, the 36-year-old displayed the determination that has defined his boxing career. After surviving the opening round, Joshua returned for the second with renewed confidence, sharper movement and relentless aggression.

The former Olympic gold medallist quickly turned the fight around by landing a succession of heavy right hands that forced Prenga onto the ropes before delivering a crushing right hook that sent his opponent tumbling through the ropes.

The referee immediately waved off the contest after concluding that Prenga was unable to continue, handing Joshua one of the most dramatic comeback victories of his professional career.

READ ALSO:

• INEC Chairman assures Nigerians every vote will count in 2027 general election
• 2027 election: Atiku accuses Obasanjo of reviving false allegations to favour preferred candidate
• Alleged Coup Plot: How Attack on Aso Rock, Airports Was Planned — Court Documents

Speaking after the fight, Anthony Joshua praised Prenga for testing him but said the victory reflected the resilience needed to compete at the highest level of boxing.

According to Joshua, champions are defined not by avoiding adversity but by their ability to recover from difficult moments and finish strongly.

The victory improved Joshua’s professional record to 30 wins from 34 fights, with 27 victories coming by knockout, while Prenga suffered only the second defeat of his professional career.

The knockout was also Joshua’s 10th second-round stoppage, highlighting the explosive punching power that has made him one of the most successful heavyweight boxers of his generation.

Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, described the performance as one of the most courageous displays of the former champion’s career, praising his mental toughness after recovering from two early knockdowns.

Hearn said Joshua proved he still belongs among boxing’s elite heavyweights and remains capable of competing for major world titles.

The victory has also intensified anticipation for the proposed all-British heavyweight showdown between Joshua and Tyson Fury, a contest many boxing fans have awaited for years.

With Fury also returning to winning ways, negotiations are expected to continue for what has been billed as the “Battle of Britain,” a fight that could become one of the biggest events in modern heavyweight boxing if final agreements are reached.

Joshua’s emphatic comeback victory not only restored momentum to his career but also reinforced his status as one of the sport’s leading heavyweight attractions.

For the British-Nigerian boxer, the triumph represents more than another win. It is a statement that he remains determined to challenge for world honours after overcoming personal tragedy and professional setbacks.

Anthony Joshua stuns Kristian Prenga with dramatic knockout to revive career